Lamontville Golden Arrows FC announced the arrival of Siyabonga Mtombeni from Upington City FC, a powerful striker compared to Orlando Pirates legend Mandla "Metroblitz" Sithole, as the club pushes for a stronger finish in the Betway Premiership.
Mtombeni arrives with a reputation for raw power and relentless work‑rate. Former Baroka coach Dan Malesela, who oversaw the forward in Lebowakgomo, says the player "epitomises the Magorometsa style" and mirrors Sithole’s physical presence in the box. The comparison raises expectations, but Malesela warns the youngster still needs to develop a resilient heart to thrive at the top level.
Malesela stresses that Mtombeni’s success hinges on tailored man‑management. He stresses patience, noting that the striker’s aggressive, old‑school profile requires a coach who understands his character. "If you don’t recognise his personality, you might bench him unnecessarily," the coach explained.
The club sits 6th in the Premier Soccer League with 41 points from 30 games (11W‑8D‑11L) and a recent form of DWDDD. They have scored 34 goals and conceded 33, sitting just +1 goal difference and 28 points behind leaders Orlando Pirates. Integrating Mtombeni’s physicality could add a new dimension to a side that already has a balanced attack, but the coaching staff must ensure his aggression complements their existing system.
Mtombeni will train with the senior squad this week, aiming to earn a starting berth ahead of the next league fixture. The technical team plans to blend his “old‑school” instincts with modern pressing schemes, hoping his development of a resilient heart translates into decisive goals. If he adapts quickly, the forward could become a key figure in Golden Arrows’ push for a top‑four finish.
While Golden Arrows remain 28 points off Orlando Pirates, the addition of a striker with Metroblitz‑like qualities could narrow the gap if he finds the net regularly. The club’s modest goal difference suggests a need for a clinical finisher, and Mtombeni’s arrival may provide that edge as the season reaches its climax.
